The latest airline route news, featuring network changes, schedule alterations, codeshares and interline agreements.
March 17
Connectivity between Australia’s Northern Territory and Asia is set to grow with AirAsia Malaysia launching a new nonstop service between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur. The new route will add nearly 100,000 seats annually between the two cities. The service will begin on June 27 with four return flights per week using Airbus A321 aircraft, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. “This route directly responds to demand from our community, who have long called for more affordable travel options to key destinations like Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and India,” says Rob Porter, executive general manager at Airport Development Group, which manages Darwin International Airport.
Spanish LCC Vueling is expanding its Cardiff Airport, Wales, services with additional flights to Málaga, Spain. Starting June 24, the route will increase to four departures per week, operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. From Sept. 16 to Oct. 25, the frequency will rise to five weekly flights, adding Sundays. “Vueling is a key airline partner, operating from Wales for over 12 years, connecting Wales to key cities in Spain, allowing tourism and business connectivity,” says Cardiff Airport head of business development, Lee Smith. Meanwhile, TUI Airways plans on Dec. 20 to launch weekly route between Cardiff and Salzburg, Austria, restoring nonstop flights between the cities for the first time in 32 years.
Slovenia’s Infrastructure Ministry has issued a public call for tenders offering €16.8 million ($18.3 million) in state aid to enhance the country’s air connectivity. The program aims to stimulate new direct air routes between Slovenia and destinations within the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA). Eligible airlines holding a European Union or ECAA operating license can apply for subsidies covering 50% of airport charges for a period of up to two years, ending no later than Oct. 31. Priority will be given to 10 key destinations including Vienna, Amsterdam, Berlin and Athens, with seven additional complementary routes and a third category covering other ECAA destinations.
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